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" I hope you don't think I am another Martha Stewart, because as much as I love her tips and organizational abilities, I feel she can be a bit out of balance.
My good thing...
Hydrogen Peroxide over Bleach! Bleach: Did you know that chlorine is extremely poisonous and was actually used during World War I as a choking agent? Chlorine gas is what gives bleach its pungent odor.
The active ingredient in bleach - sodium hypochlorite, is a combination of sodium and chlorine.
This substance is not only incredibly corrosive and capable of causing irritation, pain and blistering when it comes into contact with your skin, it is potentially dangerous when inhaled.
According to Clorox, "Medical conditions that may be aggravated by exposure to high concentrations of vapor or mist are: heart, chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or obstructive lung disease.
" If that isn't enough to make you wonder why you have it in your home, if mixed with certain cleaners it becomes extremely toxic, such as ammonia, drain cleaners or other acids like vinegar and some toilet bowl cleaners, chlorine gas is released.
It can cause:Irritation to your eyes, throat and nose, coughing and breathing problems, and even chest pain, sever breathing difficulties, vomiting, pneumonia, fluid in the lungs or even death.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Is simply water with an extra oxygen molecule and breaks down into oxygen and water.
H202 is certainly kinder on the environment.
It is produced naturally as a by-product of oxygen metabolism by both animal and plant cells by sunlight acting on water.
It is primarily used as a disinfectant and a bleaching agent.
It was used to bleach pulp and paper, but is now becoming more popular as an alternative to bleach because it is "greener" on the environment.
It is antibacterial, and a disinfectant capable of killing viruses and mold.
The drug store sells a 3% strength, but if you get the "food grade" hydrogen peroxide which is 35% pure, be careful! It is highly corrosive and can be toxic or fatal if ingested at that strength.
I purchase the 35% strength from a Health Food Store and dilute it.
If you choose to dilute it yourself, use distilled water and wear gloves.
If you get it on your skin, it will burn and turn white.
I splashed some on my skin, and fortunately, it does go away.
How to use:
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and in a cool place, as exposure to the sun and heat will quickly break it down into oxygen and water; rendering it ineffective.
Store it in a dark bottle, and keep away from children.
I store mine in the back of my spare fridge in a "well-marked" bottle.
It is a good idea to not keep the cap on too tight, pressure may build up, or release the lid and re-tighten occasionally. - Dip your toothbrush in a 3% solution to kill bacteria.
You will see it foaming up, showing it is working! - A tablespoon of 3% solution in a cup of water can be used as a mouthwash.
Swish for up to 60 seconds once a day, but do not swallow and rinse well.
This can help to whiten teeth. - I spray my cutting boards and counter tops to kill salmonella and other bacteria
- Half fill a spray bottle with a 3% solution, and then top it up with water.
Use this for a bathroom and toilet disinfectant and cleaner. - When I was young, I remember my dad putting the 3% solution on my cuts and abrasions.
It does not hurt or burn, and you get a lot of fizzing, that is normal showing it is killing bacteria. - My favorite use, it will help kill bacteria such as E.
Coli on fruits and vegetables.
Add a quarter cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a sink full of cold water and immerse your fruit and vegetables.
Rinse with cold water and drain.
It also helps to keep them fresher longer.
Or use a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of 3% H202 and water, just spray your fruit and vegetables, and rinse. - Add a cup of 3% H202 to your whites in place of bleach.
- Removes bloodstains (and red wine stains) on fabric and carpets without damaging the fibres like bleach will.
A guest spilled a whole glass of red wine on my beige carpet.
I tried to reassure it this was no biggie, and only seeing was believing - you cannot see a single mark. - Remove yellowing from fabric by filling a sink with cold water and 2 cups of 3% H202.
Soak for at least an hour, rinse in cold water and air dry. - Add 2 ounces to the detergent compartment of your dishwasher and run as normal along with your detergent which will help disinfect your dishes.
- Use on a cotton ball to disinfect your computer keyboards, phones and other surfaces.
- Since it kills mold, you can mix one part 3% with two parts water and spray musty and mildew areas, let sit for an hour or more, then rinse.
- Take 2 to 5 drops in a glass of water every morning for health benefits.
It puts oxygen in your system, and oxygen carries out impurities, so this helps to fight cancer, I've heard of cancer survivors taking even 20 drops a day, but I suggest you talk to your doctor before doing this.
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